How to Bake Martha Stewart's Apple Pie Perfectly: the Ultimate Farmer-Approved Guide
Visual appeal matters as much as flavor. While a solid top crust with carved vent slits works well, assembling a lattice top pie offers real mechanical advantages. The open woven pattern allows steam to evaporate freely from the macerating fruit, reducing the pooling juices that dilute the pie.
Roll Dough (1/8-inch thick) -> Cut 3/4-inch Strips -> Weave Over Fruit -> Crimp Edges -> Chill 15 Mins
Before sliding the assembled pie into the oven, brush the surface lightly with an egg wash made from one large egg beaten with a teaspoon of heavy cream or water. This protein-fat emulsion promotes even maillard browning and provides a sticky base for coarse sanding sugar or turbinado sugar. The thick granules do not melt during baking, creating a sparkling, crunchy contrast against the tender crust underneath.